Process for making 4-aminohex-5-enoic acid

Abstract

Novel compounds of the following general formula are useful in the preparation of 4-aminohex-5-enoic acid and 4-aminohex-5-ynoic acid which are useful pharmacological agents: ##STR1## wherein R 1 is hydroxy, amino, or tert-butoxy.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A process for the preparation of 4-aminohex-5-enoic acid or salt thereof which comprises treating a pyrrolidone compound of the formula ##STR11## wherein R 1  is hydroxy, amino, or tertiary-butoxy with an excess of a strong acid, optionally preceded by treatment with an excess of a strong base, at about 100° to 150° C. for about 2 to 24 hours followed by treatment with base or application to an acid ion exchange resin when the free base is desired. 
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1 which comprises treating a pyrrolidone compound of the formula ##STR12## wherein R 1  is hydroxy, amino or tertiary-butoxy with an excess of a strong acid at about 100° to 150° C. for about 2 to 24 hours followed by treatment with base or application to an acid ion exchange resin when the free base is desired.